Abstract: Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has a measuring member for measuring a workpiece, a counterweight to control movement of the measuring member, and a pulley and cable system coupling the measuring member with the counterweight. The coordinate measuring machine also has a guide track, where the counterweight is movably secured to the guide track. The guide track substantially limits counterweight movement, relative to the measuring member, to one dimension.

Abstract: An angle adjusting mechanism includes a base seat, a driving assembly, a guiding assembly and an adjusting member. The driving assembly is mounted on the base seat. The driving assembly includes a driving member, a screw rod rotated by the driving member and a screw nut sleeved on the screw rod. The driving member is mounted on the base seat. The screw nut engages with the screw rod and is capable of moving along an axial direction of the screw rod. The guiding assembly is mounted on the base seat and guides the screw nut. The adjusting member is sleeved on the guiding assembly and rotated by the screw nut to a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The radially engaging systems includes a housing having at least one guide channel formed therein. At least one sliding member is slidably received in the guide channel to selectively extend or retract therein in order to connect and lock mechanical components together. Each sliding member is provided with an elongate follower. A rotator is operatively mounted to the housing. The rotator includes at least one guide curve based upon an Archimedian spiral. The follower rides inside the guide curve. Selective rotation of the rotator converts the rotation into linear movement of the connected sliding member. Conversely, selective linear movement of the sliding member converts the same into rotation of the rotator.

Abstract: A linear actuator has a housing, a piston slideable within the housing along a slide axis, a first shaft rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the slide axis, a second shaft rotatable about a second axis parallel to the slide axis, in which the second shaft and the piston are engaged to convert rotational motion of the second shaft into linear motion of the piston, and in which the first shaft and the second shaft are engaged by a ball-worm gear.

Abstract: A head structure of a robot according to the invention includes a first motor and a second motor so supported side by side within a head of the robot that output shafts are positioned coaxially with each other; a left elastic frame that is so driven by the first motor and one end of which is so fitted as to be rotatable around the output shaft and the other end of which extending in a perpendicular direction from the output shaft is supported by a trunk of the robot; and a right elastic frame that is so driven by the second motor and one end of which is so fitted as to be rotatable around the output shaft and the other end of which extending side by side with the left elastic frame from the output shaft is supported by the trunk.

Abstract: There is provided a drive device including a movable body, and a fixing member that supports, with a drive shaft driven by a piezoelectric element expanded and contracted in response to an applied voltage and a sub shaft provided in parallel with the drive shaft, the movable body connected with the drive shaft movably in an axial direction. The movable body includes a rotation regulating member that supports the sub shaft and regulates rotation of the movable body with the drive shaft as a rotation center, and an impact dispersing part that disperses an impact on the piezoelectric element when inclined to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A device with a rotation effect includes an external barrel, a rotation barrel, a rotation mechanism, a pressing mechanism and a deceleration mechanism. The rotation barrel is disposed in the external barrel. The rotation mechanism connects with the rotation barrel for rotating the rotation barrel. The pressing mechanism connects with the external barrel. The deceleration mechanism connects with the rotation barrel to reduce the rotation speed of the rotation barrel.

Abstract: A compact gear motor pump assembly is disclosed. The gear motor pump assembly includes a motor driving a gear train and an output shaft in a first direction and a second direction, creating a pumping action. The present gear motor pump assembly offers an efficient and quiet operation through incorporation of springs within the assembly. The present assembly is designed for use with devices, specifically medical devices requiring a pumping action, for example, breast pumps.

Abstract: A synchronous movement-aid device for slide module includes at least one aid device. The aid device includes a first arm, a second arm connected with the first arm and a rotational wheel connected with the second arm and rotatable with the movement of the second arm. The first arm has a pivoted end mounted on a rail. When an external force is applied to the first arm, the pivoted end can freely move along the rail relative to the second arm. The second arm has a fixed end connected to the rotational wheel. When the first arm moves along the rail, the rotational wheel is driven to rotate so as to achieve better synchronous movement effect than the conventional slide mechanism.

Abstract: An active vibration control device is provided that is configured to control the position of a body relative to a reference frame. The control device includes sensors that provide input signals corresponding to movement of the body in at least one direction, a rotary rotary actuator configured to control the position of the body, and four-bar linkage connecting the rotary rotary actuator to the body. The linkage converts the rotary motion output from the rotary actuator into a linear motion of the body. The controller, based on the input signals from the reference frame sensors, provides control signals to the rotary rotary actuator which acts through the linkage to position the body in the at least one direction relative to the position of the reference frame.

Abstract: A drive device, comprising a first housing part and a second housing part which can be displaced with respect thereto, and comprising a motor assembly, which comprises a rotor, two mounting elements and two permanent magnet shells, and if desired comprising a transmission assembly and/or a sensor unit associated with the motor transmission.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock that is equipped with at least one locking mechanism, one lock housing (1), a drive unit (2) arranged in the lock housing (1), and with at least one output element (3, 4) acted upon by the drive unit (2). The drive unit (2) is enclosed in a drive housing (8, 9), that is separate from the lock housing (1), is arranged therein, and is sealed relative to the lock housing (1). The output element (3, 4) is designed in two parts, with an interior element (3) arranged in the drive housing (8, 9) and an exterior element (4) that is mechanically coupled with the interior element (3), and is sealed relative to the drive housing (8, 9) and is arranged on the outside thereof.

Abstract: A drive device comprises a housing pipe, a protection pipe, and a linear drive. The housing pipe and the protection pipe can be moved axially relative to each other in a telescopic manner. The housing pipe is arranged with the closed end thereof facing away from the protection pipe on a fixed base member or a movable component, and the protection pipe is arranged with the closed end thereof facing away from the housing pipe on the movable component or the base member. The linear drive is arranged in at least one of the housing pipe and the protection pipe, and configured to drive the housing pipe and the protection pipe such that the housing pipe and the protection pipe are axially movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a handle assembly is disclosed. The surgical device adapter includes: a housing; a drive mechanism disposed within the housing and couplable to the handle assembly and the end effector; and a drive coupling assembly coupled to the surgical device adapter and selectively couplable to the handle assembly, the drive coupling assembly including a retraction assembly selectively couplable to the drive mechanism such that rotation of the drive coupling assembly about a longitudinal axis defined by the surgical device adapter and relative to the housing actuates the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A forward and reverse pedaling system for a bicycle with automatic gear change replacing the derailleur and clutch operating at a very low speed using an engagement wheel (16), all enclosed within a housing case filled with oil. The two wheels (11) and (13), which are themselves driven by rods (9) and (10), make a reciprocating to and fro motion of less than a half turn regardless of the direction of rotation of the drive wheel (1) and drive the wheel (12) followed by the driven wheel (2) via the low speed clutch between the wheels (15) and (16). This system can be applied to any mechanical assembly in which it is required, and is not limited to use in bicycles.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a medication delivery device is proposed, the drive mechanism comprising a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a rotation member which is adapted to be rotated in a first direction with respect to the housing during setting of a dose of a medication and to be rotated in a second direction with respect to the housing during delivery of the dose, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, a piston rod which is adapted to be displaced in a distal direction with respect to the housing for delivering the dose, a drive member which follows rotational movement of the rotation member in the second direction during delivery of the dose, and a stop member which prevents rotational movement of the drive member with respect to the housing in the first direction during setting of the dose, wherein the rotational movement of the drive member in the second direction is converted into movement of the piston rod in the distal direction with respect to the housing.

Abstract: In a self-lubricating transmission device 1, a compression helical spring 15 is provided to urge an impregnation metal 14 as an impregnation means so as to slidably contact the impregnation metal 14 with pin rollers 7. In combination with a rotational movement of a pinion 6, the pin rollers 7 slide on a lower surface 14d of the impregnation metal 14 to supply a lubrication oil W to the pin rollers 7 so as to automatically lubricate the pinion 6 evenly at the right time for an appropriate amount of the lubrication oil W. This obviates the lubrication oil W being wastefully used, while at the same time, making a lubrication work quick, labor-saving and user-friendly.

Abstract: A valve actuator torque limiter (103) includes a moveable shaft (208) moveable two ways in an axial direction and, in use, rotatable to cause rotation of a valve actuator drive shaft (202). The limiter further includes a brake disc (214) mounted on the moveable shaft; a first friction device (216A) located to a first side of the brake disc, and a second friction device (216B) located to a second side. In use, contact between the brake disc and the first or the second friction device stops a motor (302) rotating the moveable shaft. The limiter also includes a casing (102) housing at least the brake disc, the first friction device and the second friction device, and an adjusting arrangement (224A, 224B) for adjusting a position of the first friction device and/or the second friction device relative to the brake disc. The adjusting arrangement is operable from outside the casing.

Abstract: Provided is a sunshade apparatus disposed under a sunroof panel installed in a fixed roof of a vehicle, comprising a frame having a plurality of frame openings arranged in a width direction of the vehicle, and a plurality of polarizing panel sets each of which is disposed correspondingly to one of the frame openings. The frame is formed to be higher in the middle portion thereof than both end portions thereof in the width direction so as to follow the shape of the fixed roof, and each polarizing panel set inclines to be higher as approaching the middle portion of the vehicle in the width direction.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an actuator having a motor, a housing and a thrust rod, where the actuator is configured to convert rotational motion of the motor into axial motion of the thrust rod. A movable holder is coupled to the thrust rod, and configured for axial motion of a tool coupling therewith. A bearing assembly is coupled to the actuator, extending along an axis thereof. The bearing assembly is configured to engage with the bearing to provide positional stability for the movable holder and tool coupling, when positioned along the actuator axis by motion of the thrust rod.

Abstract: Surveillance networks are used to observe large areas, like public places, streets, public buildings or private houses, privates premises etc. The surveillance networks often comprise a plurality of surveillance cameras. Such surveillance cameras should be small, robust, trouble-free and have low-maintenance requirements.

Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing grille shutters includes a drive unit, a wheel driven by the drive unit, and a pair of shafts attached to the wheel and configured for driving the grille shutters to open or close. At least one of the shafts is pivotally coupled to the wheel so that an angle formed between the shafts and the wheel is adjustable.

Abstract: An electric actuator replaces the hydraulic reach actuator in a reach carriage for a reach truck. The electric actuator may be a linear actuator and may have a rotary motor and a combination ball screw and ball assembly for converting the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion to extend and retract a rod. A force limiter can be disposed between the motor and the ball screw, and may be coupled to the motor and the ball screw. The force limiter prevents a contact force on the rod from damaging the motor. The force limiter allows the reach carriage to operate normally until a contact force occurs, then disengages if a threshold level of force is exceeded. The force limiter may be a torque limiter that automatically reengages after the contact force has attenuated.

Abstract: A bulk media spreader transversal actuator assembly includes a drive converter. A motor is connected to the drive converter. A linear motion shaft is slideably positioned in a shaft housing. The shaft housing is connected to the drive converter and the linear motion shaft is connected to the drive converter such that rotational operation of the motor is converted to a linear motion of the linear motion shaft by the drive converter. A hyperextension prevention device is connected to the linear motion shaft and to a rotatable lever of a bulk media spreader. Rotatable displacement of the lever by extension or retraction of the linear motion shaft acts to change an operating position of a hopper gate through which media in the bulk media spreader is dispensed.

Abstract: A device for moving a vehicle-mounted object and a vehicle having the same are provided. The device comprises a housing with an opening, a cover frame mounted on the housing, a cover with a surface for mounting the vehicle-mounted object thereon, the cover being coupled with the cover frame and being capable of pivoting to either expose or cover at least a part of the opening, and a platform slidably fitted within the housing, being coupled with the cover and movable between a first position to cause the cover to pivot to expose at least a part of the opening, and a second position to cause the cover to pivot to cover at least a part of the opening.

Abstract: A holding device having release mechanisms for securing and releasing one or more ball, dart, and/or plug members from the holding device into a tubular string disposed in a wellbore. The release mechanisms may include a planetary gear arrangement for extending and retracting a plunger member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members. The release mechanisms may include a bevel gear arrangement for extending and retracting a finger support member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members. The release mechanisms may include a pivotable, spring type arrangement for extending and retracting a finger support member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members.

Abstract: A relative-rotation synchronous movement-aid device, which has a simple structure and is easy to assemble. The synchronous movement-aid device includes a linking arm and a rotational wheel assembled with the linking arm. The linking arm has a pivoted end and a free end mounted on the rotational wheel. The pivoted end is mounted on a rail. When an external force is applied to the linking arm, the pivoted end can freely move along the rail. The free end serves to make the rotational wheel relatively rotate along with the movement of the linking arm to achieve better synchronous movement effect than the conventional slide mechanism.

Abstract: A steering mechanism may comprise an actuation system for one-fingered operation by a user, the system configured to move at least a distal portion of the medical device such that 360 degree articulation is achievable, and a housing coupled to the system, the housing having proximal and distal ends. The system may comprise a first lever rotatable about a first axis, the first lever coupled to a first cam and configured to move the first cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the first axis to deflect the distal portion; and a second lever rotatable about a second axis, the second lever coupled to a second cam and configured to move the second cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the second axis to deflect the distal portion, wherein the first lever is coupled to the second lever.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism. At least one guide track is connected to a base. At least one spring is fit on the guide track. A slider is fit on the guide track. The spring is abutted between the base and the slider. A fixed member is fixed to the base. The slider is slidably disposed between the spring and the fixed member. A displacement adjustment bolt is screwed in the fixed member. A first rotator is fit in the slider and includes a section. A second rotator is fit on and engages the first rotator. The second rotator abuts the slider. A fixing bolt detachably abuts the second rotator and is detachably fastened to the first rotator. An adjuster is connected to the first rotator, adjusting the position of a target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high load and high precision polygonal guide, and to a picker actuator using same, wherein the polygonal guide includes: an integrated ball cage designed and formed in a polygon and having a plurality of ball receiving holes formed on each side of the polygonal ball cage for receiving balls; a housing having a polygonal through hole for rolling motion such that, after the balls are inserted into the ball receiving holes formed on each side of the polygonal ball cage, the balls cannot escape from the ball receiving holes; and a guide post inserted and fitted inside the polygonal ball cage into which the balls are inserted and fitted, whereby the guide post or the housing reciprocates in a straight line by the rolling motion of the balls.

Abstract: A moving body drive apparatus drives a moving body in a linear direction by a drive source. The drive apparatus includes a relay rotating body moved in a traveling direction of the moving body by the drive source, and provided rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction to relay drive power to the moving body; a rotation converting body arranged stationary relative to the moving body and engaging an outer circumference of the relay rotating body, for converting movement of the relay rotating body moved in the traveling direction into rotation; and a conveyance linear body adapted to be coupled to the moving body and engaging the outer circumference of the relay rotating body. The conveyance linear body moves in the traveling direction of the moving body by the relay rotating body rotating while being moved in the traveling direction of the moving body.

Abstract: The invention refers to coupling mechanism and a linear actuator incorporating such a mechanism for releasably interconnecting first and second mechanical members (1, 2), longitudinally movable relative to each other, a first one of said mechanical members (1) pivotably supporting an end (F) of a first link of a knee link mechanism (3), also incorporating a second link member (3b), which first and second link members are pivotally connected to another in a knee joint (E), a control rod (4) pivotally connected to said knee joint (E), the end (D) of the second link member (3b) remote from the knee joint (E) being connected to a hook arm (5), the opposite end of which is pivotally supported at a support point (B) stationary positioned relative to said first mechanical member (1), said hook arm (5) having a hook (5a) facing said second mechanical member and being in mechanical engagement (A) with a shoulder (6, 6?) on said second mechanical member (2) as long as the said knee joint (E) is kept in a substantially

Abstract: Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.

Abstract: During a caulking process, a pressure is applied to a pressure receiving shoulder portion in the same direction as a direction of a clamping force generated by a caulking portion. The clamping force for holding an outer race can thereby be increased. Also, a pressure receiving surface of the pressure receiving shoulder portion is set higher than an end face. Thus, no pressure resulting from plastic deformation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the clamping force of the caulking portion is generated. In addition, a groove is formed between the pressure receiving shoulder portion and an end serving as the caulking portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a breakaway drive system that includes an actuator, an actuator breakaway, a shaft breakaway and a drive shaft. The actuator breakaway is operably connected to the actuator and is configured to rotate when the actuator is displaced. The shaft breakaway includes a breakaway mechanism for disengagingly connecting the actuator breakaway to the shaft breakaway. The shaft breakaway rotates in unison with the actuator breakaway when the shafts are operably engaged and does not rotate in unison with the actuator breakaway when the shafts are disengaged. The drive shaft is operably connected to the shaft breakaway such that rotation of the shaft breakaway causes rotation of the drive shaft. An external force on the drive shaft that exceeds a threshold causes rotation of the shaft breakaway such that the breakaway mechanism disengages the shaft breakaway and the actuator breakaway.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp angle-adjusting mechanism includes a driving unit having a motor and a motor gear connected with the motor, a transmission unit having a transmission gear shaft and a middle gear connected with the transmission gear shaft, and an output unit. The motor gear is engaged with the middle gear so that the motor in operation can transmit power to the transmission gear shaft. The output unit has an output gear engaged with the transmission gear shaft and an output shaft connected with the output gear so that the transmission gear shaft can drive the output gear to force a vehicular lamp to pivot through the output shaft. As a result, the vehicular lamp angle-adjusting mechanism provided by the present invention is structurally simplified and space-saving.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a body operable with a surgical tool and an actuator system supported by the body and configured to convert rotational motion into linear motion to facilitate operation of the surgical tool. The actuator system includes an actuator rod comprising a shaft and a head portion disposed on an end of the shaft. The actuator rod is movable in a translational degree of freedom to facilitate operation of the surgical tool. The actuator system also includes a trigger rotatably supported about the body and moveable by a user. Additionally, the actuator system includes a transition gear coupled to the trigger and comprising a lobe operable to slidably interface with the head portion of the actuator rod. The transition gear is rotatable by the trigger to actuate the actuator rod.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing, a motor, a decelerator and an actuating rod. The housing includes an outer sleeve, a motor sleeve, a connecting sleeve, and at least a motor bolt. The connecting sleeve is connected to one end of the outer sleeve, the motor bolt longitudinally penetrating the motor sleeve and connected to the connecting sleeve. The motor is arranged in the motor sleeve. The decelerator is arranged in the motor sleeve. The decelerator is connected to the motor. The actuating rod is arranged in the outer sleeve. The actuating rod is connected to the decelerator through the motor sleeve, and the actuating rod is driven by the motor through the decelerator. The elements of the linear actuator are thereby firmly assembled by simple structure.

Abstract: Seat post and handlebar post that may be used for upright and recumbent stationary bicycles with its height adjustments and tilt angles controlled and powered by mechanisms that allows the user to adjust each to their desired position while operating the bicycle.

Abstract: In an aspect, a swing door actuation system is provided for moving a door about a vertical axis between open closed positions relative to a vehicle body. The system includes a housing connectable to one of the swing door and the vehicle body, an extensible member that moves relative to the housing, and connects to the other of the swing door and the vehicle body, a motor connected to a gear train that is non-backdrivable, and a normally engaged clutch. The motor is operatively connected to a clutch input end through the gear train. The output end is operatively connected to the extensible member. The clutch is disengageable to disconnect the motor from the extensible member. The clutch has a slip torque that is sufficiently high to prevent movement of the door when the door is exposed to less than a selected external torque and the motor is stopped.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a mechanism for providing motion having two degrees of freedom and centered on a single point within a sphere. Methods to design the mechanism consistent with specified parameters are also described.

Type:
Application

Filed:
June 3, 2013

Publication date:
June 5, 2014

Applicant:
University of Washington Through Its Center for Commercialization

Abstract: A door opening and closing device includes: a motor; an output shaft configured to output power of the motor; a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the power of the motor to the output shaft; and an accommodation member configured to accommodate the motor and the transmission mechanism. The door opening and closing device is installed in a vehicle main body or a door supported by the vehicle main body in an openable and closable manner, thereby opening and closing the door by the power that is output from the output shaft. The accommodation member is cylindrical in shape, and the motor and the transmission mechanism are accommodated in the accommodation member so that the motor, the transmission mechanism, and the output shaft are arranged in an axial direction of a rotary shaft of the motor.

Abstract: Drive of a seat adjusting device, especially for motor vehicles, with a spindle that is fastened on a first of two rails, which are adjustable with respect to each other, by means of at least one mounting on one end of the spindle, and with a transmission driven by a motor that is mounted on the second rail, whereby the mounting is a single piece stamped bent part with a first area with at least one fastener opening and a second area that is offset upward relative to the first area for holding one end of the spindle, whereby the first area and the second area are connected to form a single piece by a transition area, whereby the second area is designed with a slot with legs lying opposite each other, at least in sections, and opposite a slot between which the end of the spindle can be fixed.

Abstract: A rolling hinge device comprises two substantially parallel winding cylinders, longitudinal link element-forming winding means, the winding means being able to maintain a predetermined distance between the winding cylinders and being wound around winding cylinders, and at least two flexible tracks, a flexible track being fixed to each winding cylinder, the flexible tracks being arranged facing one another and having a point of contact, a prestressing force being applied at said point of contact of the flexible tracks under the effect of the winding means. At least one flexible track comprises at least one slot produced over at least a part of its length, the slot delimiting a plurality of flexible beam sections of determined profiles.

Abstract: A device for generating a controllable reciprocal movement of a moveable mechanical element between a first stop point and a second stop point. At least one drive element is moved continuously with reciprocal movement between two turning points. A coupling device with a controllable coupling serves for the selective coupling of the mechanical element to the drive element. The coupling device further features a freewheel and is arranged such that in the active state of the coupling the mechanical element is coupled to the at least one drive element during a first half-cycle of the movement of the drive element and is moved from the first stop point to the second stop point, and during a second half-cycle of the movement of the drive element is substantially uninfluenced by the drive element due to the action of the freewheel.

Abstract: A steering yolk bearing assembly includes a body. The body can include a first end having a flat surface and a second end opposite the first end. The second end can have a concave surface having a radius of curvature, RCS, a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. A first bearing pad can extend from the first lateral side of the concave surface and a second bearing pad can extend from the second lateral side of the concave surface opposite the first bearing pad. Each bearing pad can include a shaft contact surface having a radius of curvature, RSCS, and RSCS?2×RCS.

Abstract: Three or more displacement generation mechanisms, which allow some of a plurality of guide members that are provided respectively to a plurality of guide holding members that is capable of reciprocally moving substantially perpendicularly to shifting directions of a reciprocally movable linear motion structural member with respect to a base member, and a rocking member that is provided to an end of a linear motion member capable of reciprocally moving in directions substantially in parallel with the shifting directions of the guide holding members so as to rock around an axis substantially perpendicular to the respective shifting directions of the linear motion structural member and the linear motion member, to be made in contact with each other so that some of the guide holding members are displaced relatively to the linear motion structural member, are operation-controlled, with a result that a transmission gear ratio between a displacement velocity of the linear motion member and a displacement velocity of

Abstract: A rotary actuator mechanism for applying torque to a shaft and comprising an actuator housing forming an actuator path that includes an actuator pinion rotatably supported in said housing and having said shaft secured thereto. The pinion having peripheral notches of a selected shape and positioned within the actuator path. The mechanism having a train of discrete actuator elements having opposite ends and positioned in the actuator path, each of the actuator elements being of said selected shape to enable reception in the peripheral notches, a plurality of the elements engaging the notches. The mechanism having at least one linear actuator supported by the housing and engaging one of the ends of the train of actuator elements, the linear actuator being selectively activated to push the train of discrete actuator elements through the actuator path to thereby serially engage the actuator elements with the notches of the pinion and thereby apply torque to the shaft.